Instrumental Sections

Entry Conditions

Entry Fee - Primary School ensembles - $125 per section

Entry Fee - Secondary School ensembles - $205 per section

All contestants will be awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze Awards.
Sections which attract an adequate number of entries will be divided into heats and finals.


Two or more ensembles from the same school with overlapping students CAN be entered into the same section, however the conductor must elect one ensemble to be non-competitive (not eligible for prize money). Both ensembles will still receive comments from the adjudicator and a gold, silver or bronze award for their performances.

All instrumental sections are limited to a maximum of 70 players. For string sections, it is standing only for ensembles. 


Please see more details at conditions of entry.



Primary School Instrumental

Contrasting pieces of own choice, up to a maximum of 10 minutes of repertoire.

SECTION 06 String Ensemble to Yr. 6 (min. 10 players) 
1st - $200  2nd - $100  3rd - $50 

SECTION 07  Primary Concert Bands 
1st - $200  2nd - $100  3rd - $50

Secondary School Instrumental

Contrasting pieces of own choice, up to a maximum of 12 minutes of repertoire.

SECTION 24  Secondary String Orchestra - Advanced (Grade 2.5 and above)
1st - $200  2nd - $100  3rd - $50 
Proudly supported by Queensland Symphony Orchestra

SECTION 25  Secondary Concert Bands - Advanced (Grade 2.5 and above)
1st - $200  2nd - $100  3rd - $50 
Proudly supported by Queensland Symphony Orchestra

SECTION 26  Secondary Concert Bands - Intermediate (Up to Grade 2)
1st - $200  2nd - $100  3rd - $50 

SECTION 27  Secondary String Orchestra Intermediate (Up to Grade 2)
1st - $200  2nd - $100  3rd - $50 

Secondary School Instrumental music clarification

For the Secondary Sections, the following is provided for further clarification:


Advanced - grade of music 2.5 and above
Intermediate - up to level 2

For advanced, it is anticipated that an ensemble would play predominantly Grade 3 music or above but one of the pieces can be a Grade 2.5 piece. 

For intermediate, it is anticipated that an ensemble would play predominantly Grade 2 music or lower. 

Any ensembles playing above the section grading may be disqualified from placing, but will still be provided feedback from the adjudicator and a Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate. 

General Information for Conductors

Information for conductors:

The piano will be set up on the left hand side of the conductor.

The following complimentary tickets are available for your ensemble's: 

o   School Principal or Deputy

o   Conductor and accompanist

o   Two supervising adults (if required)


Detailed arrival and movement plans will be sent with your confirmation documents. 


Online tickets sales will be available with the final schedule for forwarding to your families.   


Submit a copy of your music to the secretary’s desk at least 20 minutes prior to the commencement time of your section along with two (2) copies of the Adjudication Information form CLICK HERE TO ACCESS.


Copyright requirements under the AMCOS agreement for schools must be observed. In accordance with copyright laws, any unauthorised photocopies submitted to the secretary for the purpose of adjudication will be discarded.


Ensure that your students are quiet during all performances and wait quietly until instructed to move.


Ensembles will be escorted in turn to the warm up rooms prior to their performance. Use of these rooms must be strictly supervised by a teacher – please note that there will be detailed logistics for ensemble movement to and from warm up rooms and storage of instruments so we are COVID compliant. 


Original music and adjudication sheets may be collected, by the conductor, from the secretary’s desk at the conclusion of the evening.

Official partners of Queensland Youth Music Awards